Autograph GTI

Discretely tuned Mk5 Volkswagen Golf has 305bhp but remains drivable

Evo rating
  • Enhances the standard GTI superbly
  • A bit pricey if you have it all

If you’re a mk5 Golf GTI driver feeling a bit off the pace since the arrival of the new Focus RS, Autograph Cars may have what you need. And I don’t mean five litres of fluorescent green paint and a skip full of spoilers.

If you peeled off the stickers all you’d really notice is the different wheels, but a lot has been done to this Golf in all the right areas. It produces an unequivocal 305bhp yet retains the regular engine’s characteristics and manners, while the gearshift is shorter and crisper and the uprated ten-pot Tarox front brakes work harder. Polyurethane bushes are fitted to the front suspension arms and the rear gearbox mount, and there are shorter Eibach sports/road springs, too.

The upshot is that this Golf drives just like the regular version, only more so. There’s more bite and more conviction but no loss of comfort or usability. I love it, especially the auxiliary boost gauge that sits atop the steering column and perfectly matches the stock, blue-lit dials. You’d think it was from the factory, and the same goes for the whole kit, which comes in at £7995, fitted.

Specifications

EngineIn-line 4-cyl, 1984cc, turbo
Max power305bhp @ n/a rpm
Max torque298lb ft @ n/a rpm
Top speed160mph+ (est)
0-60mph5.5sec (est)
PriceSee text
On saleNow (www.autographcars.co.uk)

Most Popular

Aftermarket ‘pop and bang’ exhausts could make your car illegal
Exhaust
News

Aftermarket ‘pop and bang’ exhausts could make your car illegal

In a landmark case, a car tuner has been fined for modifying a vehicle and making it unfit for the road
24 Nov 2023
Car pictures of the week: BMW M3 CS v Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA v Jaguar XE Project 8
BMW M3 CS v Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA v Jaguar XE Project 8
Features

Car pictures of the week: BMW M3 CS v Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA v Jaguar XE Project 8

In the current issue of evo we pit the formidable BMW M3 CS against two highly-specialised supersaloons. Here are some of our favourite snapshots
25 Nov 2023
Porsche claims new Panamera will drive more like a 911
Porsche Panamera – front
News

Porsche claims new Panamera will drive more like a 911

Porsche’s exec-express has been given a 2024 makeover, with a host of design and technology upgrades inspired by the Taycan
24 Nov 2023